Senior farmer leader Raju Karpada has stepped down from all positions within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Gujarat, posing a significant setback for the party in the state. Karpada, who led the AAP’s Kisan Morcha and served as president of its Gujarat Kisan Cell, announced his resignation on social media, citing political pressure from the state government due to his involvement in the Haddad agitation.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Karpada expressed his decision to resign from all AAP posts, acknowledging that his journey with the party had reached its limit. He also extended gratitude to the national and state leadership of AAP, as well as his colleagues and farmer friends, while apologizing if he had unintentionally hurt anyone.
Having joined the AAP in 2021–22, Karpada contested the 2022 Gujarat Assembly election from the Chotila constituency. He emerged as a significant advocate for farmers in various districts, actively supporting farmers’ rights and agricultural reforms.
Following the agitation in October last year, where farmers protested alleged unfair weighing practices, Karpada and another AAP leader were arrested and later released on bail. Responding to Karpada’s resignation, AAP leaders praised his dedication to farmers’ causes and expressed disappointment over his departure.
Karpada’s exit raises concerns about the AAP’s organizational strength in Gujarat, prompting speculation about his potential future political affiliations.
